The Crofton businessman is charged with first-degree murder in the 2012 shooting death of John Ryan of Frederick. Stahlnecker denies the charge.

After Ryan’s body was found in the trunk of his Lexus in Derwood in December 2012, investigators searched Dillree’s home. They found news clippings about Ryan’s disappearance and an altar dedicated to Stahlnecker.

They also found a voicemail from Dillree, telling Stahlnecker, “You’d better think about marrying me.” Dillree denies she was referring to the spousal privilege of refusing to testify.